Birmingham City University plays a part in C4’s 'How to Look Good Naked'

Birmingham City University secures a lead in the film industry with its launch of the commercial use of one of its key resources, the MILO – a multi-axis motion control filming rig. This equipment - an Academy Award winning design - purchased from Mark Roberts Motion Control by the Department of Visual Communication in the University's Faculty of Art & Design, has until now only been used by students as part of their studies within Film and Animation production. It is the first University in Europe to own the MILO.

Professor Mario Minichiello, Head of Visual Communication at Birmingham City University comments “we were delighted when Birmingham based Quench Design were able to shoot the new title sequence for Maverick TV's production "How to Look Good Naked" in our studio”. The new show is broadcast on Tuesday, 8th April on Channel 4.

“Collaboration between sectors is seen as a positive step forward and given the close links the Department of Visual Communication has with the growing creative industries in Birmingham it makes sense for companies in this sector to have access to the type of high end equipment used in Feature Film production”, Mario adds.

Peter Smith of Quench Design, located in The Custard Factory, Birmingham acknowledges “Here at Quench, we always aim to deliver the highest quality design solutions – the MILO gives us an exciting new option in the search for creative, innovative solutions”.

Birmingham based production companies are watching developments with interest and other projects are in the pipeline. Two final year students worked as assistants on the 'How to Look Good Naked' set and helped with styling, rehearsals and planning the two day shoot. The opportunity for working on ‘live’ projects is proving invaluable for the undergraduates and clearly signals a new direction for the university in the way it can contribute to creative activity within the region. There is a new buzz about the place and it is sure to attract national attention from students and professionals alike.

The MILO has been used in the production of numerous films, including The Harry Potter series, The Matrix, The Golden Compass as well as music videos and big budget TV commercials and possesses astonishing possibilities for creating Special Effects.
Film production houses who have an interest in using the MILO rig can contact Animation Course Director Neil Hadfield on neil.hadfield@bcu.ac.uk to discuss working with the Rig.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: About Birmingham City University
Formerly known as the University of Central England, over 24,000 students currently study at one of Birmingham City University’s seven faculties:
The Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, the largest centre for design and media education outside London and rated as one of the top ten UK Art and Design institutions.
The University's substantial performing arts provision includes Birmingham Conservatoire, a specialised music college of international stature which trains musicians to the highest standard in performance and composition and Birmingham School of Acting, one of the UK's leading vocational drama training schools.
The Business School, a key regional centre which, with 4,000 students, is one of the largest business schools in the UK. Specialisms include organisational development, knowledge management, auditing and Entrepreneurship.
The Faculty of Education, which trains teachers and related professionals at levels from foundation degrees to PhD. Performance indicators published by the Training and Development Agency for Schools demonstrate its outstanding achievements.
The Faculty for Health, one of the country's largest centres for non-medical health education, and including the new Defence School of Health Care Studies, which trains military nurses and professionals.
The Faculty of Law, Humanities, Development and Society, where courses in law, social and political studies equip students for a range of professional careers. Work experience opportunities include placements with US law firms.
The Technology Innovation Centre, offering a wide range of courses in computer technology, multimedia and engineering. Its Millennium Point facilities are among the best in the country.